OUR MISSION/HISTORY

On December 4, 2017 Andy “Big Bear” Suerth died suddenly while on vacation with his family. Andy was a very well respected Police Officer for the city of Brooklyn Park, MN, a founding father of our beer-league hockey team, the Goats, and one of the best guys around. If you knew Andy, you loved Andy.

After we lost our brother, we decided to memorialize him by combining some of his (and our) favorite things… hockey, beers, and having a great time with friends. Soon after, the Big Bear Hockey Classic was created for all first responders (and friends) welcome to participate.

In April of 2019, we held our first hockey tournament, raising money for a former partner of Andy’s at Brooklyn Park PD, Emily Krob who was battling an aggressive form of cancer.

On the heels of the success of our first tournament, we formed the Big Bear Foundation so we could continue to help make a difference in the lives of the brave men and women making a difference every day on the streets. Each year, this tournament will be held in Big Andy’s honor, raising money for a deserving first responder who is in need of monetary support.

Since then, we have held this tournament every year and to date, have raised over $56,000 for our previous beneficiaries and their families.

• 2019 - Brooklyn Park PD Officer Emily Krob

• 2020 - Bloomington PD Officer Matt Ryan.

• 2021 - Savage PD Officer Rob Calvin

• 2022 - Ramsey Co Deputy Brandon Berg

• 2023 - Golden Valley PD Assistant Chief Terry Sleavin

This year’s beneficiary is Ramsey Co Deputy Dallas Edeburn. On August 1, 2022, Dallas was found deceased in his squad due to myocarditis. He left behind his wife and five month old son, Bennett. In Dallas's short career with the Ramsey County Sheriff's Office, he accomplished great things: he earned a life saving accolade, was formally recognized for his patrol work, and was a member of the Ramsey County SWAT team. In March of 2021, he was in an on duty car accident that nearly ended his career and spent months rehabbing his injuries before returning to work in the Ramsey Co VCET (Violent Crime Enforcement Team). He knew his work was dangerous, but his passion for service and public safety drove him to be the best law enforcement officer he could be. Dallas is dearly missed by his friends and family. 

If you would like to help support Dallas’ family, please click on the “donate” button at the top of the page. All proceeds will go directly to his family.

The Big Bear Foundation is a certified 501 (C) (3) non-profit organization. Tax/EIN will be provided upon request